The 15 most likely Texans second-round draft targets at No. 42 overall

We’re six days out from the 2024 NFL draft, but seven from when the Houston Texans are on the clock.

Even without a first-round pick, Houston should feel confident heading into the regular season. Quarterback C.J. Stroud is coming off one of the best seasons for a rookie in league history. Defensive end Will Anderson Jr. lived up to the hype of the No. 3 overall pick after surpassing J.J. Watt’s rookie sack record.

Both first-round selections took home Rookie of the Year honors after helping the Texans secure their first AFC South division title in four seasons. Their reward? Reinforcements.

General manager Nick Caserio bolstered both sides of the ball to keep pace with the rest of the division. Running back Joe Mixon should elevate last season’s 23rd-ranked rushing attack. Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs joins an arsenal with established weapons in Dalton Schultz and Nico Collins, plus a rising star in Tank Dell.

On defense, Katy native Danielle Hunter returns home after nine seasons in Minnesota. Last season, the four-time Pro Bowl defensive end led the league in tackles for loss with 23.5 stops and finished top-five in sacks with 16.5. Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, defensive lineman Denico Autry and cornerback Jeff Okudah should be serviceable replacements form Blake Cashman, Sheldon Rankins and Steven Nelson, respectively

With the No. 42 overall pick, Caserio could have options. How does he feel about the defensive line class? Is Okudah a long-term option opposite Derek Stingley Jr.? What about adding a linebacker? DeMeco Ryans has a type and there’s one former SEC standout who could fit the bill.

Everyone knows that Alabama’s Terrion Arnold, Texas’ Byron Murphy, and Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell won’t be available when the Texans are on the clock, but who are the realistic options?

Here are 15 prospects that could be targeted at No. 42 overall.